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Livingetc
Livingetc
Nicky Rampley-Clarke

That 'New Home Smell' Isn't a Good Thing — This Wellness-Inspired Designer Explains Why Choosing Antiques Is Good for You

Modern living room with antique furniture, curved sofa, round rug, timber coffee table, original fireplace, and chandelier.

As you know, Livingetc has always been laser-focused on modern interiors. But in 2026, even the most contemporary designers are finding ways to fold antiques into spaces, adding character, storytelling, and a touch of lived-in charm. And it seems there may be more reasons to borrow from the past, aside from aesthetics.

Interior designer and wellness expert Lisa Sternfeld — who founded WLLW Studio to empower people to create spaces that nurture both their health and lifestyle — says environmental wellness is more connected to heritage design than anything like clinical minimalism. "My son developed severe respiratory issues, and in trying to understand it, I started looking more closely at our home," she tells me. "That shifted everything, and my work became as much about how a space supports the body as how it appears."

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